In Uttar Pradesh, the Union Jal Shakti Ministry has embarked on a geophysical survey covering the Prayagraj and Kaushambi region. During this process, they’ve discovered an ancient, dried-up river, linking the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. This archaeological marvel, dubbed as the “Ancient Buried River”, is approximately 4 km wide, 45 km long and nestles under a 15-meter layer of soil. The identification and understanding of these buried channels have crucial implications for the conservation of water resources, particularly in the context of Ganga cleaning and safeguarding groundwater resources against contamination.
The Identification of an Ancient Buried River
The excavation of the ancient river was a result of the stated geophysical survey. This survey unraveled the presence of a buried paleochannel that merges into the Yamuna river at Durgapur village, which is roughly 26 km south of the existing Ganga-Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj.
What are Palaeochannels?
A palaeochannel is essentially a river channel that has ceased to serve as a transport medium for water. This change usually occurs when rivers modulate their course due to tectonic plate shifts or severe floods, leading to the generation of new channels – the old channels hereby termed as palaeochannels. Often, these palaeochannels are hidden under younger sediment layers. They are frequently found in alluvial landscapes and hold economic value, primarily because of their role in the exploration for freshwater resources, recharge, and storage of groundwater.
Economic Significance of Palaeochannels
Beyond contributing to water conservation, paleochannels also offer potential for mineral exploration. They can host mineral deposits such as uraniferous ores, gold, silver, and other placer deposits which enhance their economic importance.
| Economic Significance of Palaeochannels |
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| Contribute to water conservation and groundwater recharge |
| Potential for mineral exploration, hosting deposits such as uraniferous ores, gold, silver, and other placer deposits |
The Report on PaleoChannel on North-West India
This survey and resultant discovery were influenced by the findings of the Report on PaleoChannel on North-West India. This report was compiled by the K.S. Valdiya Committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The report studied the land texture, sediment piles, shapes, and features of North-West Indian states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. The discovered sediments bear a striking resemblance to those found in present-day Ghaggar, Ganga, and Yamuna. The report further asserted that the River Saraswati originated from Adibadri in the Himalayas and culminated in the Arabian Sea via the Runn of Kutch. It also emphasized the historical importance of the river, stating that it was, at one point in time, the lifeline of the Northwestern states of India.